Is it fair for people in the foothills of Butte County to have to pay an annual $150 fire protection fee?

Asked Friday at the Paradise library.

Eric Cervantes Sr.

Self-employed, Paradise

I don’t think it’s fair. It’s not fair for anybody to get a bill that they didn’t sign up for or for a service that is supposed to have been covered already. The firefighters are supposed to fight the fires.

Lonna Haslam

Retired, Paradise

In a lot of places, further out, it’s hard to fight fires. If you make the choice to live there, then it’s probably fair. I think, personally, if you live in a rural area, you should be required to have sprinklers on top of your roof. In some places, you’re required to have water tanks on your property for property protection purposes. I think the fee is fair.

Sharlene Porter

Stay-at-home mom, Magalia

I think it’s fair. My husband and I both think it’s fair. The firefighters do so much, especially during summertime. The budgets have been cut so much, I don’t mind paying that fee to help them fight fires. It’s not like paying taxes, where we don’t always see where the money’s going. As long as it’s going to go to support fire prevention and the fire department and provide whatever they need, I’m OK with that.

Frederick Bland

Retired attorney, Magalia

I can appreciate that Cal Fire provides services in Magalia, but I also see them support the Paradise and Chico fire departments but don’t see Paradise or Chico being charged that fee. I think these thoughts pertain also to other areas of the state. I don’t see San Francisco, L.A. or the Bay Area cities being charged fees tor services their residents already pay for. … There’s supposed to be an appeal process, but I don’t have much faith in it.

Travis McWilliams

Retired coach and teacher, Paradise

For all the fire people who work — federal, state and city — their equipment has been provided. I respect our firefighters. They’re the best in the world and they’re great firefighters, but in this economy I think the fee should not have been levied.

Dick Marden

Retired, Paradise

My belief is that firefighting protection monies should probably come out of the general fund. It’s to protect the services for all citizens through which citizens should thank them by their taxes. There should not be a special fee. You don’t know which people will be affected by fire.